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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Ozz on 02 January 2006, 12:05

Title: Fault finding in central locking
Post by: Ozz on 02 January 2006, 12:05
Hi guys, been asked by my brother to sort out a few little problems with his mk3. Its a k reg 1.8 (non gti). His central locking only works intermittently, and today its not working at all. It's the VAG air powered system.

Anyone have any handy tips as to how to find the problem, or know of any common failure points?

Any help would be much appreciated, as I haven't done much work on mk3's before!! Donmt really understand what all the bits of this central locking system do!!
Title: Re: Fault finding in central locking
Post by: Golfer on 02 January 2006, 21:39
Pretty sure the central locking pump is in the boot somewhere and very easy to access - maybe take that out and test it / replace?



Title: Re: Fault finding in central locking
Post by: Ozz on 02 January 2006, 22:18
Yep have found the pump but cant think of any way to easily test it without replcing it, but my brother is poor and cant afford to spend unnecessary money on his car!
Title: Re: Fault finding in central locking
Post by: adyh on 03 January 2006, 09:41
Common failure points are in the door hinges . Check in the rubber boot for signs of wear on they tubes .
Title: Re: Fault finding in central locking
Post by: Overseer on 03 January 2006, 10:10
yeah check for leaks at each 'device' connected to the pneumatics...

i had a broken petrol locking cap spike thingy that caused a leak that caused my pump to get weak and fail.

a good sign for a leak or failing pump is that the pump will continue to "pump" after you've locked the car (which wears it out..)

pumps arent cheap.. pray its a leak.
Title: Re: Fault finding in central locking
Post by: Ozz on 03 January 2006, 12:35
Oh dear that doesnt sound so good, my brother said his petrol cap locking failed a while ago, and the spike has been flapping around loose in his boot ever since. The weakening pump sounds about right too, as the problems been intermittent but getting more common, to the point where when I was looking at it yesterday it wasnt working at all!!

Ah well, I'll check for leaks then if that yields nothing I'll replace the pump. Any good ways of checking for leaks?